Where achievement stands out so boldly it is indeed remarkable that the principal should let the record alone tell the story. The fellowship of Sioux county would not have been so complete had it not been for the activities of the Pontius folks.

That First School

The story of the organization of the first school in Sioux county is variously told, particularly that part relating to the identity of the first teacher. From the consideration of all the facts, we are led to the opinion that this is the correct history.

The district was organized at the request of Daniel Klein, who was the first director, and he was assisted by the Rigdons and Mr. Gates. Five white children only were within reach of the school : Klein had one, Gates had one, and Rigdcn three.

Jo Oberfelder who organized the district. coming from Sidney in eighteen eightythree, when he was county superintendent of Cheyenne county, says that there were a large number of half breeds, forty-two in all. included in the school census as returned.

While these did not attend school very regularly, and many of them perhaps not at all, they served to get a larger state apportionment, wdiich was surely needed in the new and far-away school.

Oberfelder also says that the first teacher was Mary Delahunty, whom he induced to come from Lexington and he personally saw that she was installed as the first instructor in Sioux county. In eighteen eighty-five, "Mollie" Delahunty was teaching in Antelopeville (now Kimball) and staying at the home of the Lynchs. Jennie Hunt is frequently referred to and believed to be the first teacher, but according to Oberfelder, she must have followed Miss Delahunty. This is also supported by the record of teachers' certificates issued in Cheyenne county. Daniel Klein says that the first teacher was Lorena Thomas, but that must have been after Sioux count}- was organized.